Aiden Markram’s Epic 110*: South Africa Alive in Chase – Will India Crumble After 358?
Raipur, December 2, 2025 – Aiden Markram just turned the 2nd ODI upside down with a blistering 110 off 98 balls, hauling South Africa to 198/3 chasing India’s daunting 359. What started as a stroll (51/0 in powerplay) exploded into Markram’s 10 fours and 4 sixes, including a pulled six off Prasidh Krishna that cleared the ropes like a missile. With Matthew Breetzke (24*) and Dewald Brevis (0*) at the crease, SA need 161 off 118 balls at 8.18 RRR – a steep ask, but Markram’s fire has the Proteas dreaming of a series-leveling upset.
India’s 358/5 – powered by Kohli’s 102 and Gaikwad’s 105 – looked unassailable. But Markram, the Proteas’ elegant warrior, scripted a lone-hand masterclass: 101-run stand with Temba Bavuma (46), then 70 with Breetzke. Harshit Rana’s 6-0-36-1 (Markram caught at deep mid) broke through late, but the damage? Done. As Arshdeep (3.5-0-12-1) and Rana tighten, can India defend or will SA snatch victory? Live from Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium – this chase is heart-stopping!
Markram’s Match-Winning Blast
- Runs: 110 (98 balls)
- Boundaries: 10 fours, 4 sixes (SR 112.24)
- Key Stand: 101 with Bavuma (96 balls)
- Dismissal: Caught Gaikwad off Rana (29.6 ov)
- Vs IND ODIs: 400+ runs, avg 57
The Chase Unravels: Markram’s Magic vs India’s Grip
SA openers Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock eyed the green-tinge under lights – toss win and bowl? No, chase mode. Powerplay fireworks: 51/0, Markram’s off-drive off Arshdeep a warning shot. de Kock (8) holed out to Sundar off Arshdeep (4.5 ov) – 26/1.
Enter Bavuma – steady as ever. The duo’s 101-run stand (96 balls) was poetry: Markram’s cover drives, Bavuma’s clips. Prasidh’s bouncer (20.5 ov) did for Bavuma (46) – caught Rana, 127/2. Markram 50 off 50, then unleashed: Pulled six off Prasidh, lofted Maharaj for max. 70-run surge with Breetzke (43 off 32) pushed 197/3 – Rana’s slower ball snared Markram at deep mid (Gaikwad pouch).
Next over: Kuldeep Yadav…
India’s bowlers? Mixed bag: Arshdeep economical (3.10), Rana fiery (7.00 but wicket), Prasidh expensive (9.00), Jadeja steady (5.90), Kuldeep probing (6.90). Extras 10 helped SA – now, can spin strangle the middle order?
Markram: The Anchor-Turned-Assassin Who Could Steal the Game
Aiden Markram, 31 and peaking, is SA’s white-ball heartbeat. 110 off 98 – his 10th ODI ton, 5th vs IND. SR 112? Explosive evolution from his 2018 debut (avg 35). Ranchi duck? Forgotten – Raipur redemption pure class.
Career vs IND: 400+ runs, avg 57, 3 tons. Sixes? 4 today – lofted covers, pulled bouncers. Dismissal? Slower cutter off Rana – edged to Gaikwad. Legacy? Chase-master supreme, now Breetzke (92.31 SR) carries the flame.
India’s 358/5: The Platform That Might Not Hold
Recap India’s fireworks: Powerplay 66/2 (Rohit 14 off 8, Jaiswal 22). Kohli (102 off 93) and Gaikwad (105 off 83) ‘s 195-run stand – ODI record vs SA for 3rd wicket. Rahul 66* (43, SR 153), Jadeja 24* – death 101 runs. Jansen 2/63, Ngidi 1/51, Bosch 0/79 (wides galore).
Extras 24 wides – SA bowled 20! Markram’s part-time 5.5-0-48-0 tidy, but Kohli’s 7×4, 2×6 vintage. Gaikwad’s 12×4, 2×6? Partnership poetry.
Chase Equation: Can SA Pull Off 359?
198/3 off 30.3 – 161 needed at 8.18. Breetzke 24* (26, 2×4), Brevis 0* – fresh. Middle order? Brevis (debutant flair), de Zorzi (steady), Jansen (power). Duckett? No – Brevis.
India’s attack: Arshdeep (swing), Rana (bounce), Prasidh (pace), Jadeja/Kuldeep (spin). RRR climbs – 10+ post-40? Pressure cooker.
Prediction? SA favorites if 250/3 by 40 – India edges if wickets tumble. Live tension!
Final Pulse: Markram’s Fire vs India’s Fortress
Markram’s 110*? Chase lifeline. 161 to win – SA dreams, India defends. Raipur roars – ODI thriller unfolds!
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s ODI Future: BCCI VP Rajiv Shukla Slams Farewell Rumors
About the Author
